March 2019 – St. John's Evangelical

BULLETIN-MARCH 31, 2019 – THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

March 31, 2019March 31, 2019 Kerry

St. John’s & Emmnauel

Evangelical Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT

MARCH 31, 2019

St. John’s & Emmanuel

Ev. Lutheran Church

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH!

We extend a warm welcome to everyone today, especially our visitors. In the bulletin you’ll find an outline of today’s service, a calendar of events and other bits of information. In the red hymn book you’ll find the songs we sing and the order of service that we follow. If you would like a large print hymnal or bulletin please ask one of our ushers and they will gladly assist you. Restrooms and nursery area are located the parish hall at Emmanuel and in the lower level and link-way at St. John’s. It’s nice to have you visit today. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more, as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25) Welcome to God’s house! May God bless our worship together.

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY

God’s Amazing Grace Is Received by Faith – Today we see the sincerity of our Savior’s love. God keeps waiting to show his children mercy. God is ready, even anxious to forgive us. He pleads that we come to him and be saved. Such constant and free forgiveness doesn’t make sense to human logic. But God’s ways are greater than our ways. If his grace were not so great, it could not cover all of our sins. We rejoice in God’s amazing grace which always gives forgiveness for all sins.

TODAY’S WORSHIP

Today’s worship is adapted from Divine Service II is a version of the historic liturgy of the Christian church.

SONGS BY ST. JOHN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL (at St. John’s)DO YOU KNOW WHO DIED FOR ME?

Do you know who died for me?

Jesus did, Jesus did,

Lovingly He died for me,

Yes, He really did!

Do you know who cares for me?

Jesus does, Jesus does,

Lovingly He cares for me,

Yes, He really does!WHO CAN MEASURE JESUS’ LOVE FOR ME?

Jesus, Savior, who am I?

(Love, Saving Love)

Is it for me that you die?

(Love, Saving Love)

CHORUS

Higher, Deeper, Wide as it can be.

Who can measure Jesus love for me?

What led you to Calvary?

(Love, Saving Love)

Why did you do that for me?

(Love, Saving Love) CHORUS

Jesus, Lord and Savior dear,

(Love, Saving Love)

Will you hold me ever near?

(Love, Saving Love) CHORUS

OPENING HYMN 339 Today Your Mercy Calls Us

INVOCATION

The name of the Triune God and the sign of the cross remind worshipers of their baptisms.

M: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. (spoken)

CONFESSION

M: Dear friends, let us approach God with a true heart and confess our sins, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to forgive us.

C: Lord of life, I confess that I am by nature dead in sin.

For faithless worrying and selfish pride,
For sins of habit and sins of choice,

For the evil I have done and the good I have failed to do,
You should cast me away from your presence forever.
O Lord, I am sorry for my sins. Forgive me, for Jesus’ sake.

ABSOLUTION

The use of the keys is that special power and right which Christ gave to his church on earth: to forgive the sins of penitent sinners” See John 20:21-23.

M: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. In his great mercy, God made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our sins. Hear the word of Christ through his called servant:

I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. (spoken)

LORD, HAVE MERCY Kyrie Mark 10:47

Kyrie is the Greek word for Lord. The “Lord, have mercy” is one of the oldest worship responses in the Christian church.

M: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.For the well-being of all people everywhere, that they may receive from you all they need to sustain body and life, hear our prayer, O Lord.

C: Lord, have mercy. (spoken)

M: For the spread of your life-giving gospel throughout the world, that all who are lost in sin may be brought to faith in you, hear our prayer, O Christ.

C: Christ, have mercy.

M: For patience and perseverance in this life, that we may not lose the hope of heaven as we await your return, hear our prayer, O Lord.

C: Lord, have mercy.

M: Lord of life, live in us that we may live for you.

C: Amen.

THE WORD

SALUTATION

This greeting has deep roots in Christian worship and marks the beginning of the Word and Sacrament section of the service.

M: The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you. (spoken)

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Let us pray….

C: Amen. (spoken)

FIRST LESSON Isaiah 12:1-6

The Lord, the God of free and faithful grace is mentioned five times in this reading. His anger has turned to comfort and salvation. Joyful singing replaces fear. The Holy One of God has become our salvation.

In that day you will say:

“I will praise you, Lord.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

PSALM 32 hymnal page 78 & bulletin pg. 7, 8

Congregation sings the Refrain and the verses are read in unison. $Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Pew Edition\CW TIFF files\Psalms\Ps 032.tif$ A psalm of repentance from David. True repentance acknowledges sin and humbly confesses. It also rejoices in forgiveness from the Lord.RefrainBlessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven,* whose sins are covered.When I kept silent, your hand was heavy upon me;* my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer.Then I acknowledged my sin to you* and did not cover up my iniquity.I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”* and you forgave the guilt of my sin.RefrainYou are my hiding place;* you will protect me from trouble.Many are the woes of the wicked,*but the LORD’S unfailing love surrounds those who trust in him.Glory be to the Father and to the Son*and to the Holy Spirit,as it was in the beginning,*is now, and will be forever. Amen.RefrainSECOND LESSON 1 Corinthians 1:18-25We preach Christ crucified. Why? It may sound like foolishness to unbelieving hearts, but it has been revealed to us as the power of God for the saving of souls.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.VERSE OF THE DAYM: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)THE GOSPEL Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32Though sin should separate us from God and his family, he welcomes us with the full rights of sons. Yes, foolish sounding to the self-righteous, but great comfort to the repentant. Full and free forgiveness is cause for rejoicing.

Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” Then Jesus told them this parable:

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.

“Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father.

“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

“The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’”

THE APOSTLE’S CREED

I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body,

and the life everlasting. Amen.

HYMN 304 v 1,3,5,7 Jesus Sinners Does Receive

SERMON Psalm 32 – Sing About Sin with a Smile

OFFERING

Moved by God’s love in Christ, we offer him our first and best gifts, purely out of thanks to him.

Please stand

OFFERING PRAYER, PRAYER OF THE CHURCH (hymnal pg. 125), INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: George Alexander, Gene & Sharon Crook, Harley & Liola Crown & son Terry, Agnes Dassow, Jerre Duerr, Reinold Eckelberg, Elaine Emond (Mark’s mother), Earl Ewert, Marjorie Fabian, Harold Fandrey, Mike Farrell, Kellen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Dawn Hirn (Linda Krause’s niece), Xzander Jahr, Bob Klapper (Sandy’s husband), Arden “Bill” Klimke, Linda Krause, Pete Laun, Debbie Parrish, LuAnn Reber, Mark & Peggy Russell (Elsa’s son & daughter in-law), Al & Darlene Schmidt (Dawn Marcelain & Candace Sonnenberg’s parents), Carol Schumann, Dennis Schwanke (Mary Isberner’s friend), Amanda Stalker, Jennifer Strauss, Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Donny Weber (Betty’s son), Larry Wegner (Bob’s brother), Heidi Weishaar (Dennis & Sharon Kekow’s daughter), Karl Whitrock, Millie Wildt (John’s wife) – (added this week: Dennis Wacholtz)

– For our K3-K5 teacher Sara Borck who received the Lord’s call to teach Kindergarten next fall at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran School–Omaha, NE

– For Larry & Lynn Sellnow, currently teaching at Holy Trinity Lutheran School–Wyoming, MI who were called on 3/10 by St. John’s voters to serve next fall as principal/teacher and K4-K5 director/teacher respectively

– For Pastor Steven Tews of Balaton, MN who accepted the Lord’s Call to serve at Peace–Wautoma. An installation service is being planned for Sunday, 5/19 at 3pm

– For Harley & Liola Crown who celebrate their 74^th wedding anniversary today (3/31)

– For our St. John’s member Don Smith celebrating his 90th birthday today (3/31)

Please be seatedLORD’S PRAYEROur Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. HYMN 379 Amazing Grace

BLESSING Numbers 6:24-26

The blessing of Aaron has been spoken over God’s people for over 3,500 years. The Lord said, “So they will put my name on [them], and I will bless them” [Numbers 6:27].

M: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

C: Amen. (spoken)

HYMN 510 I Pray You, Dear Lord Jesus

As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.

Announcements

*Activities for the week of March 31-April 6*
Sun.
Mon.	6:00 P.M.		Hands in Prayer at St. John’s
	6:00 P.M.		Bible Information Class at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		Choir at St. John’s
	7:30 P.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
Tues.	9:00 A.M.		St. John’s Elders meeting
Wed.	8:00 A.M.		St. John’s School Chapel
	10:00 A.M.		Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	2:30 P.M.-6:30P.M.		Northwestern Publishing House Bookfair in St. John’s link way
	3:30 P.M.		Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	3:45 P.M.		Public School Teen Confirmation Class at St. John’s
	4:30 P.M.		Lenten Supper at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.		St. John’s Lenten Devotion
Thurs.	8:00 A.M.		St. John’s School Teen Confirmation Class
	12:00 P.M.		St. John’s Ladies Aid lunch and meeting
	6:00 P.M.		Griefshare (9^th of 13 weeks) in St. John’s lower level
Fri.
Sat.
*Theme for Next Sunday April 7, 2019* Lent 5: “The Lord Destroys His Enemies & Builds a New Kingdom”
8:00 A.M.		Emmanuel Worship with communion
8:30 A.M.		St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.		Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
9:00 A.M.-10:00 A.M.		Northwestern Publishing House Bookfair in St. John’s link way
10:00 A.M.		St. John’s Worship

NORTHWESTERN PUBLISHING HOUSE BOOKFAIR St. John’s will be having a NPH Bookfair on the following dates:

Wednesday, April 3: 2:30pm-6:30pm,

Sunday, April 7: 9:00am-10:00am & 11:00am-12:00pm

Wednesday, April 10: 2:30pm-6:30pm.

On all orders, there is 20% off, free shipping and no tax! Checks can be made out to St. John’s. Stop on by and see what’s in!

EMMANUEL EASTER BREAKFAST will take place after 8:00am service on Easter Sunday, April 21. Members and friends are all welcome for food and fellowship!

EASTER FLOWERS We are taking orders now through April 8^th! Please use the sign-up sheet located in St. John’s information room.

EASTER CARDS NEW Easter, Confirmation & Graduation cards have arrived! Come to St. John’s lower level and get them while supplies last.

WEDNESDAY LENTEN DEVOTIONS Join us as we gather for Lenten Devotions: 3:30pm at Emmanuel and 6:30pm at St. John’s under this year’s theme: “Three Words of Truth.” A soup supper will also be served from 4:30-6:15pm in the lower level of St. John’s. “Jesus, I will ponder now on your holy passion…” (Hymn 98) APRIL 3 HOST: Ladies Aid WHAT’S ON THE MENU?: meatloaf dinner, hashbrown casserole, corn, dinner rolls, homemade desserts & drinks.

EASTER FOR KIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

VOLUNTEER to help pack Easter baskets on Thursday, April 11, time TBA. VOLUNTEER to help set up the Bible Giveaway on Friday, April 12, time TBA. VOLUNTEER to make jello jigglers for the Easter for Kids Lunch on Saturday, April 13.

VOLUNTEER to prep crafts during the week prior to the event. VOLUNTEER to help at the event on Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to Noon. (Grade 7 through Adult – girls-boys-women-men–all welcome! Thrivent T-Shirts for all helpers)

VOLUNTEER to assist with snacks and work the kitchen on the day of the event. Contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

EASTER FOR KIDS COORDINATOR I am looking for someone to assist with the planning this year who would be willing to take the lead in the future. If you would be interested in working with me this year, please call me 608-369-2635. Thank you! –Linda Wachholz

REGISTRATION FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, April 13. This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org. Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook. This year’s theme is “Parade & Praise for the King!” Story rhyme time, singing & movement, crafts, egg coloring, snacks, & of course, a parade will bring the true meaning of Easter to the children. Register by Fri., April 5.

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS ARE STILL WELCOMED Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO GIVE SPRING OFFERINGS FOR Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society MISSION PROJECTS. Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. Thank you for loving missions!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”

NEW MEMBERSHIP CLASS I’d like to start a new membership class soon on Sunday at 11:30am and/or Monday at 6pm here at my office. We will study the basic teachings of the Bible using the 20 lesson study guide entitled: New Life In Christ. Call or text me at 608-408-7830 if you are interested. –Pastor Pete Zietlow

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

3-24 3-27

102 51

St. John’s Altar Committee:

March 2019

Diane Eisermann

Delores Cotte

St. John’s Greeters Schedule
Mar. 31	Delvin & Jean Henke
April 7	Paul & Christa Van Treeck
April 14	Susan Brown & Kathy North

Usher Schedule

March 31

Wayne Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld

Kenon Smith; Chief, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke

April 3

Lent 3:30pm E

Lent 6:30 pm SJ

Wayne Stelter, Gary Wegner, Joe Heller

Cal Kapp; Chief, Joe Zauner, Gordon Krause, Richard Freitag, Gerhardt Voigt

April 7

(with communion) E

Lucas Stelter, Glenn Buchholz, Gary Wegner, Brian Ninnemann (comm. assist.)

James Wachholz, Chief, Mitch Simon, Karl Whitrock, Matt Borzick, Glen Bubolz

April 10

Lent 3:30pm E

Lent 6:30 pm SJ

Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller

Jack Yates; Chief, Al Rosenthal, Christopher Smith, Calvin Wojtalewicz, Zeb Zuehls

April 14

(with communion) SJ

Don Stelter, Warren Buchholz, Brian Ninnemann

Don Smith; Chief, Mark Emond, Kevin Kaul, Scott Ritz, Ken Borzick

Wisdom – March 31, 2019

March 31, 2019 Kerry

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom . . .”
1 Corinthians 1:25

Wisdom

Daily Devotion – March 31, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 1:25

See series: Devotions

Have you ever noticed that most people spend an entire lifetime trying to get smarter? Virtually everyone attends preschool, kindergarten, elementary school, junior high, and high school. Many people continue on to college, and others gain their master’s degree and even their doctorate. Companies insist that their employees go to continuing education classes. Others take summer or night classes to learn something they have always wanted to learn. Each of us will have dozens of teachers by the time we are finished…and really, we are never finished learning, are we?

It certainly is a blessing in our country that education is readily available. We honor God when we study hard and make the most of our ability. But there is much more to wisdom than books, report cards, and grade point averages. 1 Corinthians 1:25 says: “The foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”

God’s wisdom is much higher than anything we learn in school. In the Scriptures, God reveals who he is and what he has done. But many consider God’s wisdom to be foolishness. That’s because it isn’t logical for Jesus to be true man and true God. It doesn’t make sense for God to die willingly for mankind. It isn’t rational for human beings not to fear death. None of these things are logical, sensible, or rational for unbelievers; such things are foolishness to them. Only those in whom the Holy Spirit lives by faith can know and believe the wisdom of God. So, by God’s grace, we accept the truth that Jesus is the God-man who sacrificed himself to save us from death and give us eternal life. Believing such “foolishness” makes us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit of God, convince my hearth through your Word that what you say is true, as foolish as it may seem. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Examples – March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019 Kerry

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.
1 Corinthians 10:11

Examples

Daily Devotion – March 30, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 10:11

See series: Devotions

General George Marshall served as President Roosevelt’s Chief of Staff during World War II, and later served as Secretary of State. Historians rate him as one of the most capable military leaders the United States has ever produced. He also knew the value of a good example.

It is said that, early in his career, General Marshall took command of the Infantry School at Fort Benning, Georgia. When he arrived, he found the post to be in a run-down condition. He could have chewed out his lower-ranking officers. He could have barked out orders. Instead, he did something else. He got out his own paintbrushes and lawn equipment and went to work on his personal quarters. The officers and enlisted men quickly took notice. They began doing the same thing throughout the post. Before long, Fort Benning was a better place; all because of a good example.

In the Bible you and I have the message of what the Son of God has done to wash us clean of our sin, purchase eternal life on our behalf, and bring us into his family through faith in him.

On those same pages of Scripture, the Lord has also given us examples of real lives lived by real people. They are examples for us to think about, study, and discuss. Many examples are warnings of things the Lord wants us to avoid. But there are good examples, too. Examples that the Lord wants us to learn, notice, and follow.

The greatest example of all, of course, is Jesus himself. Go to the Scriptures. Watch him. Observe what he says and does. Give his example some thought. And follow.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the full forgiveness I have through faith in you. Send me to your Word. Help me learn from the example you give me. Empower me to follow your lead. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

One More Year – March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019 Kerry

“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Luke 13:8-9

One More Year

Daily Devotion – March 29, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 13:8-9

See series: Devotions

Spring is on its way in the Northern Hemisphere. In some places, farmers and gardeners have already begun planting their crops or tending their trees, hoping that they will produce a crop of delicious fruit later in the season.

But what if they don’t? What if no tomatoes grow on the tomato plants, no apples or peaches appear on the trees? The owner might check for pests and disease and treat them if he can. He might make sure that the plants are getting the right amount of water. He might check the soil and feed the plants with fertilizer or other nutrients.

But if that doesn’t work, he has a decision to make. Does he let the plant grow and settle for a little shade or a splash of green? Or does he cut it down or dig it up to get rid of it?

That was the question the man faced in a story Jesus told. His fig tree wasn’t acting like a fig tree. After three years, it still didn’t have any fruit. He was ready to cut it down. But the gardener asked for just a little more time—one more year of special care for the tree. What patience he showed!

Jesus shows that same patience with us. God designed us and planted us in this world to serve and obey him. But, too often, we only seek to serve ourselves, and we don’t live how he wants us to live. We don’t bear the fruits of love that he created us to bear. What should God do with us?

Praise God that he is patient with us! For Jesus’ sake, he nurtures us with his Word. He prunes us with his law and feeds us with his gospel. He plants us by the streams of his Word, connects us to Jesus by faith, and grows faith in our hearts that bears fruit of love to praise his name.

Now, given new life by our patient and forgiving God, we live to honor him with lives of fruitful service every day.

Prayer:
Merciful Savior, be patient with me. Through your Word of forgiveness, make my life fruitful for you. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Making Sense of Tragedy – March 28, 2019

March 28, 2019 Kerry

“Unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Luke 13:3

Making Sense of Tragedy

Daily Devotion – March 28, 2019

Devotion based on Luke 13:3

See series: Devotions

Dozens are left homeless in the wake of a natural disaster. Victims lose their lives when gunmen open fire on schools. Hundreds die every month in wars and terrorists attack the innocent around the world.

Could these tragedies have been prevented? Who is really at fault? Where was God, when these things happened? Why did they happen?

We’re okay when bad things happen to bad people. Maybe, somehow, they are finally getting what they deserve. Maybe God wants to teach society a lesson about immoral living.

But how our thoughts change when tragedy strikes us or when what happens seem unfair! Why did she get cancer while her friend stayed healthy? Why did his son die in the war zone while mine came back alive? Why do innocent bystanders get caught in the crossfire of violence?

It’s not fair, God! Why do you let bad things happen to good people? If you are truly just and loving, how could this happen?

But why those things happened at those times to those people is God’s business, not ours. It is not our job to judge those who were affected, and God certainly isn’t calling us to judge him. Instead, he wants us to take a good, hard look at ourselves. “But unless you repent, you too will all perish,” Jesus said.

The word “repent” means “turn around.” God wants to use the tragedies of life to turn our hearts away from our sin that leads to death to our Savior who gives us life.

None of the tragedies of Jesus’ day or ours can compare to the apparent injustice that Jesus experienced. He was the sinless Son of God. But he was convicted, condemned, and crucified for crimes he never committed.

When he suffered and died on the cross, Jesus switched places with you. He took your accusations against God, your questioning God’s love, your holding onto sinful ways, and he gave you his perfect trust, love, and obedience. He faced hell to give you heaven. He endured death to give you life.

When tragedy strikes, may God’s love at the cross quiet our questions and turn our hearts to Jesus in sincere repentance and joyful praise.

Prayer:
God, life doesn’t always make sense. When tragedy strikes, help me to trust your love in Jesus my Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Be Careful – March 27, 2019

March 27, 2019 Kerry

If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
1 Corinthians 10:12

Be Careful

Daily Devotion – March 27, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 10:12

See series: Devotions

A child holds a family heirloom for the first time. “Be careful!” his mother warns. “We don’t want to break it.”

The sidewalks and roads are icy, when a loved one ventures out. “Be careful!” someone warns.

Some friends are hiking along a trail. The terrain is uneven. One misstep could send someone tumbling down the steep hill to certain injury or even death. “Be careful!” the leader warns.

We need such warnings in our spiritual lives too. We face temptations every day. The devil wants us to think those temptations are no big deal. Either it won’t really hurt us if we do what he wants us to do, or we are strong enough not to give in.

But God warns us, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” The devil is not your friend. His temptations are not games. If you let your guard down, if you underestimate the enemy, you will fall.

And every spiritual fall is fatal. Whether you are tempted to lust or to lie, to hurt or to hate, to ignore someone in need or to ignore God’s Word, every misstep wreaks havoc on our relationship with our heavenly Father. And the devil’s ultimate goal is to lead us to turn our backs on God entirely, so that we miss out on his mercy, so that we miss out on heaven.

The devil desperately wanted Jesus to fall too. God sent Jesus to fight the devil in our place. If Jesus gave in to temptation, God’s plan to save us from sin and death would fail. But Jesus never let his guard down. He didn’t listen to the devil’s whispers or believe his lies. He didn’t fall. Jesus won the fight. The devil lost.

Now Jesus doesn’t leave us to face temptation alone. Whenever we are tempted, we cry out to him for help, and through his Word he arms us for battle to give us the victory.

Prayer:
Jesus, I am weak. You are strong. When I am tempted, give me your strength. When I fall, forgive me for your mercy’s sake. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

Real People – March 26, 2019

March 26, 2019 Kerry

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us… No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful.
1 Corinthians 10:11,13a

Real People

Daily Devotion – March 26, 2019

Devotion based on 1 Corinthians 10:11,13a

See series: Devotions

The Bible records history, but it’s not like other history books. It tells the stories of individuals and their relationship with the Lord. It shows real people—warts and all—people who struggled, people who fell, people who failed.

The Bible is filled with stories about people like you and me. And that’s exactly the point. God tells their stories for our benefit. He wants us to put ourselves in their sandals. What were they facing? How am I like them? How was God working in their lives?

God tells us their stories to warn us. We can easily think, “I would never do that. That would never happen to me.” The devil tries to convince us that temptations are no big deal, as long as we don’t fall for any of the “big” ones. God does not want us to let our guard down and become easy prey.

So he tells us the sad stories of sinners who have fallen into the devil’s traps and believed the devil’s lies. He shows us how the devil works, so that we are ready to fight against him. You see, the devil never really changes. He uses the same lies today as he always has. So, when we let our guard down and fall for those lies, we aren’t alone.

But, above all, God tells us their stories so that we see his faithful love shining throughout history. Despite the foolish failures of one generation after another, God did not turn his back on them.

Instead, he promised to forgive them and kept that promise when he sent his own Son to face temptation. He was tempted too, but he didn’t fall for those lies. He was without sin and lived the life that God demanded of all of us. Now, for his sake, God forgives every time we fall, every time we fail.

Because of God’s real love, we are not rejected but rescued from sin and restored to fight temptation with the strength that our faithful God promises through his Word.

Prayer:
Faithful God, forgive me when I fall for the devil’s lies. Give me strength to overcome temptation. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

I AM – March 25, 2019

March 25, 2019 Kerry

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Exodus 3:14

I AM

Daily Devotion – March 25, 2019

Devotion based on Exodus 3:14

See series: Devotions

How well do you handle change? If you are like most people, you welcome certain changes and dread others. Some changes give us the excitement of a fresh start. Others make us long for how things used to be.

Our world is constantly changing. The way we communicate, travel, and even think is different than it was a generation ago and just keeps changing. And often, we change right along with it.

Sometimes people expect God to work the same way. God, the world is changing. People don’t think and act the way they used to. If you want to stay relevant, if you want to meet the needs of people in the 21st century, you’ve got to change.

But do we really want a God who is always changing? Do we want a God whose love for us changes from one day to the next? Do we want a God who makes a promise one day and changes his mind the next? Do we want a God who listens to our prayers one day and ignores them the next?

God once called himself something that may sound strange to us. He said, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

When he calls himself “I AM,” he wants us to know that he is a God who does not change. His unconditional love will never change. His promises of mercy will never change. His power to keep his loving promises will never change.

What a comfort that is! No matter how fickle and unfaithful we are to God, he is always ready to forgive our failures and rescue us from the wrath that we deserve. No matter how much may change in our lives, God will always hear our prayers and answer them in perfect love. We can count on him at all times, knowing that he will bless us here on earth and forever in heaven, just as he promised.

Rejoice that, in a changing world, we have a faithful and unchanging God!

Prayer:
Faithful Lord, thank you that your love and promises to me never change. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

BULLETIN 3/24/2019 – THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

March 24, 2019March 24, 2019 Kerry

St. John’s

Evangelical Lutheran Church

Montello, WI

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT

MARCH 24, 2019

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church

Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH!

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY

God Offers Deliverance to Sinners – Today’s lessons encourage us to take heart and trust in the Lord. We also view numerous examples of people who lost their hold on eternal life because they gave in to their fears and doubts. However, in his grace, God promises deliverance from whatever difficulty he may lovingly allow to come our way. Thank God!

PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

OPENING HYMN 302 Lord, to You I Make Confession

Please stand

CONFESSION & ABSOLUTION hymnal page 26

When we confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, the pastor announces the perfect forgiveness of sins won for us by Jesus.

LORD, HAVE MERCY hymnal page 27

The Church brings her concerns and prayers to a loving Father in heaven, who has shown great mercy to us and promised to hear our ardent cries for help.

O LORD, OUR LORD hymnal page 28

This song of praise reminds us of the wonderful things God has done for us, not the least of which is the salvation he gives through Jesus Christ.

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M: Almighty God, look with favor on your humble servants and stretch out the right hand of your power to defend us against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C: ♫ Amen.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

SERVICE OF THE WORD

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

OLD TESTAMENT LESSON Exodus 3:1-8, 10-15

In the presence of the Lord, stand back in awe

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ”

God also said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation.

PSALM 38 hymnal page 81

Read verses in unison, sing refrains and Gloria

EPISTLE LESSON (today’s sermon text) 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Warnings from Israel’s history

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered over the desert.

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in pagan revelry. “We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. We should not test the Lord, as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel.

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

VERSE OF THE DAY John 3:14, 15

During the season of Lent, the “Alleluia” is omitted

“Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.”

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON Luke 13:1-9

Christ’s call to repentance

Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

” ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”

C: ♫ Praise be to you, O Christ!

Please be seated

SERMON HYMN 438 In God, My Faithful God

SERMON 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

“Ignorance Is Not Always Bliss”

So let’s…

Ponder the past
Strengthen faith for the future

Please stand

NICENE CREED hymnal page 31

Please be seated

OFFERING

During the offering, feel free to turn and greet one another! We also kindly ask that you fill out the red friendship register found at the end of each pew.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Please stand

OFFERING, LENTEN SEASON & INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For our K3-K5 teacher Sara Borck who received the Lord’s call to teach Kindergarten next fall at Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran School–Omaha, NE

– For the family of our Emmanuel member, Frieda Otto, called home on Monday (3/18)

– For our St. John’s member, Florence Dahlke, who celebrated her 97th birthday on Wednesday (3/20)

– For Willie, Megan Stalker & daughter Maisie, plus Amanda Stalker & daughter Brittany, after completing our Bible Information Class this week, welcomed as members in today’s (3/24) worship service at St. John’s

– For our communicants at St. John’s

LORD’S PRAYER hymnal page 32

SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT

The Lord Jesus gives us his own body and blood under bread and wine for the forgiveness of sins.

SERVICE OF THE SACRAMENT hymnal pages 33-36

In this service we celebrate the gift of Jesus’ redeeming love, we bear witness to the Christian fellowship we share, and we proclaim his death until he returns.

Please be seated for the distribution (dist.)

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church we practice closed Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service.

DIST. HYMN 749 The Love of Christ, Who Died for Me

bulletin page 10

DIST. HYMN 422:1-2 Jesus, Lead Us On

Z:\CHURCH STUFF\CW Supplement Electronic Pew Edition CD ROM\TIFF files\Hymns\CWS 749.tif

Please stand

THANKSGIVING, CLOSING PRAYER & BLESSING hymnal page 36-37

Please be seated

CLOSING HYMN 422:3-4 Jesus, Lead Us On

Note: As you leave today’s service, please give your completed Friendship Register sheet to an usher or pastor.

Announcements

Activities for the week of March 24-March 30
Sun.	8:00 A.M.	Emmanuel Worship
	8:30 A.M.	St. John’s Sunday School
	9:00 A.M.	Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
	10:00 A.M.	St. John’s Worship with communion
Mon.	7:30 P.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
		SJS/LL SPRING BREAK
Tues.		SJS/LL SPRING BREAK
Wed.	10:00 A.M.	Adult Bible Study at St. John’s
	3:30 P.M.	Emmanuel Lenten Devotion
	4:30 P.M.	Lenten Supper at St. John’s
	6:30 P.M.	St. John’s Lenten Devotion with communion
		SJS/LL SPRING BREAK
Thurs.	10:00 A.M.	Montello Care Center Devotion with communion
	6:00 P.M.	Griefshare (8^th of 13 weeks) in St. John’s lower level
		SJS/LL SPRING BREAK
Fri.		SJS/LL SPRING BREAK
Sat.	8:30 A.M.	Finance/Purchasing Comm. meeting at St. John’s
Theme for Next Sunday March 31, 2019 Lent 4: “Joy in the Lord’s Pardoning Love”
8:00 A.M.	Emmanuel Worship
8:30 A.M.	St. John’s Sunday School
9:00 A.M.	Emmanuel/St. John’s Adult Bible Study
10:00 A.M.	St. John’s Worship

EASTER FLOWERS We are taking orders now through April 8^th! Please use the sign-up sheet located in St. John’s information room.

EASTER CARDS NEW Easter, Confirmation & Graduation cards have arrived! Come to St. John’s lower level and get them while supplies last.

LENTEN SUPPER This week, March 27, 2019, St. John’s School Hot Lunch is hosting. Supper starts at 4:30pm in St. John’s lower level.

WHAT’S ON THE MENU? Hot turkey sandwiches, chicken and bacon alfredo soup, chili, cheese and sausage, fresh fruit, veggies, desserts, coffee, milk and water.

EASTER FOR KIDS DONATIONS Planning for 80 children for Saturday, April 13, at St. John’s. MONETARY GIFTS are needed most and help purchase: crafts, Easter pails, candy/prizes, outdoor advertising banner, snack & lunch, basket stuffers. DONATE home-crafted items for baskets. VOLUNTEER to bake for the baskets. VOLUNTEER to work at the event. Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

We still collect plain print-free ice cream pails. Please do not purchase plastic eggs, grass, or baskets, but we recycle by accepting gently used items you would like to share. A donation box is located in the linkway.

EASTER FOR KIDS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Please contact Linda Wachholz 608-369-2635.

VOLUNTEER to help pack Easter baskets on Thursday, April 11, time TBA.

VOLUNTEER to help set up the Bible Giveaway on Friday, April 12, time TBA.

VOLUNTEER to make jello jigglers for the Easter for Kids Lunch on Saturday, April 13.

VOLUNTEER to prep crafts during the week prior to the event.

VOLUNTEER to help at the event on Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. to Noon. (Grade 7 through Adult – girls-boys-women-men–all welcome! Thrivent T-Shirts for all helpers)

VOLUNTEER to assist with snacks and work the kitchen on the day of the event.

REGISTRATION FOR EASTER FOR KIDS Any child, age 3 through Grade 6, is welcome to attend Easter for Kids at St. John’s on Saturday, April 13. This is an outreach program–it would be great if St. John’s & Emmanuel kids who attend would invite a non-member or unchurched friend! Register online www.stjohnsmontello.org beginning Monday, March 4. Get registration forms at both churches, in Monday Magazine, on church & school Facebook. This year’s theme is “Parade & Praise for the King!” Story rhyme time, singing & movement, crafts, egg coloring, snacks, & of course, a parade will bring the true meaning of Easter to the children. Register by Friday, April 5.

SPRING MISSION OFFERINGS are being collected by the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society through Sunday, March 31. Containers are located in the entrance at St. John’s and at Emmanuel—Please give your gift at the church where you are a member. 75% of gifts given will support Beaver Dam Circuit projects—HM/Campus Ministry New Starts & WM/Haiti. 25% of gifts given will support home & world mission projects described on the poster by the container and will be presented at the next LWMS Convention, June 27-30, in Des Moines, Iowa. Gifts welcome from all who love missions!

CHRISTIAN ONE-LINERS (from a WELS member): “The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.”

FOLLOW MISSIONS ON FACEBOOK Like the new WELS Missions Facebook page to stay up to date on news from Home and World Mission fields, read inspiring stories of the gospel at work, and take advantage of the many resources WELS Missions has to offer – fb.com/WELSMissions.

KNOW YOUR SYNOD Your Sunday offerings help support the work of WELS, but do you know how? Go to wels.net to discover stories about the many WELS world and home mission fields; explore which ministries can support you and your congregation; enjoy daily devotions and Bible readings; and subscribe to stay up to date on the latest news from your synod. All of this and more is available on wels.net. Visit us online today and save us as a Favorite or a Bookmark!

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WELS? Subscribe to the WELS Together e-newsletter to stay connected with the people of your synod and the ministry they serve. Also, don’t miss the twice-monthly videos, expanding on important and compelling synod news. Go to wels.net/together to read more and subscribe today.

St. John’s Greeters Schedule
Mar. 24	Ron & Evie Blada
Mar. 31	Delvin & Jean Henke

Attendance

Emmanuel

St. John’s

3-17 3-20

102 63

147 72

St. John’s Altar Committee:

March 2019

Diane Eisermann

Delores Cotte

Usher Schedule

March 24

(with comm.) SJ

DuWayne Sommerfeld, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller

Jack Yates; Chief, Thomas Wojtalewicz, James Henke, Paul Van Treeck, Martin Schmanke

March 27

(Lent 3:30pm) E

(Lent 6:30pm) SJ

Wayne Stelter, Bruce Stelter, Joe Heller

Don Smith; Chief, Lee Ollendorf, Aaron Kendall, Chuck Boetcher, Jim Eisermann

March 31

Wayne Stelter, Paul Wuerch, DuWayne Sommerfeld

Kenon Smith; Chief, Corey Kaul, Jerre Duerr, Robin Smith, Del Henke

The LORD Cares – March 24, 2019

March 24, 2019 Kerry

The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
Exodus 3:7,8

The LORD Cares

Daily Devotion – March 24, 2019

Devotion based on Exodus 3:7,8

See series: Devotions

“Nobody cares.” What a terrible thought! Whether it is the teenager who feels he has no one to talk to or the widow who feels that everyone is too busy to bother with her, the thought that no one cares is dreadful. Although the person who feels this way may not be aware of just how much people do care, the most important thing to know is that God cares. He ALWAYS cares. When his people cried out to him from slavery in Egypt—God cared. He was concerned about their suffering, and he came to their rescue. He used Moses to deliver them from their bondage and bring them to the Promised Land.

God cares about you. He ALWAYS cares about you. When you cry out to God in your suffering—God cares. When you doubt that he cares, when the circumstances of your life seem to say that he doesn’t care, just look at Jesus’ suffering on the cross. He went to the cross to free you from your slavery to sin and death. He promises to bring you to heaven one day. The One who cared about you enough to do all of that certainly cares enough to deliver you from whatever other trials you are facing. When you are tempted to think, “Nobody cares,” look to the cross and be certain that the LORD cares.

Prayer:
Thank you Jesus for proving your love for me at the cross. When I am down, when I doubt your care and concern, lift my eyes to your cross and comfort me with your care. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.